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King Charles III and Queen Camilla officially crowned in coronation ceremony

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London — King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, were both formally crowned Saturday in a historic ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey before appearing on the balcony for a flyover. 

The coronation ceremony, steeped in centuries of tradition but with a few small tweaks for the modern age, played out in front of about 2,000 invited guests and a global audience of millions watching on TV or livestream.

Though Charles officially became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022, today's coronation ceremony consecrated and celebrated his ascent to the throne.

Follow along below for the latest updates as the ceremony unfolded: 

 

The balcony moment

King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace Saturday with other senior members of their family to watch a military fly-past and greet members of the public. They were joined by other "working" members of the royal family, including William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children. 

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
King Charles III and Queen Camilla can be seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony ahead of the fly-past during the coronation day events, May 6, 2023 in London, England. Getty

As part of the "slimmed down" coronation day events requested by the king, not all members of their large family joined them.

King Charles III and royal family gather on Buckingham Palace balcony after coronation 16:15

By Haley Ott and Tucker Reals

 

King Charles should reach out to Harry, royal-watcher says

As King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their way back to Buckingham Palace following the coronation ceremony, CBS News spoke with Evening Standard columnist and broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika about the future of the royal family. She suggested that the king should reach out to his son, Prince Harry, to help move the monarchy forward in the modern era.

King Charles III should reach out to Harry and Meghan after coronation, royal expert says 01:38
 

Prince Harry will not attend private lunch

Prince Harry will not appear at the private lunch for royal family members, CBS News contributor Tina Brown confirmed. He also did not appear on the balcony, which was reserved for "working" members of the royal family.

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
Left to right: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, Sir Timothy Laurence, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Page of Honour Prince George of Wales, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla the Buckingham Palace balcony. Getty Images
By Caroline Linton
 

London weather forces slight change in plans

Members of the public were allowed onto the procession route and were making their way toward Buckingham Palace, where King Charles, Queen Camilla and other senior members of the royal family were to appear on the balcony to watch a military fly-past, which was going ahead despite some adjustments for the weather.

"Due to unsuitable weather conditions, the Coronation flypast will now be formed of helicopters and the Royal Air Force aerobatic team The Red Arrows," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. "The Flypast will last for two minutes and thirty seconds."

By Haley Ott
 

U.S. Ambassador lauds "amazing" coronation ceremony

U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Jane Hartley told CBS News after the coronation that it was "an amazing ceremony. Quite beautiful." 

Calling the coronation "so moving," Hartley said she was particularly impressed by the "king's touch — a tilt to the modern world," noting references within the Christian religious ceremony to other faiths and the U.K.'s multicultural population, including a gospel choir that performed at Westminster Abbey.

Hartley said she wouldn't "get ahead of the White House" regarding the timing of President Biden's next visit to the U.K., but she noted that Mr. Biden had already "had a wonderful chat with the king" on the phone recently, and that "he wants to come, and he is coming." 

U.S. ambassador to U.K. on King Charles' coronation, Biden's plans for a visit 06:49

She described the king and U.S. president as being "so aligned on the climate, so aligned on helping young people." 

The ambassador said she had spent most of the previous day with first lady Jill Biden, who also attended Saturday's ceremony.

By Tucker Reals
 

King and queen back at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived back at Buckingham Palace after their coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. 

The couple will now receive a royal salute from the U.K. armed forces in the Buckingham Palace gardens before appearing on the palace's balcony to wave at well-wishers and  watch a scheduled military fly-past.  

By Haley Ott
 

The "King's Procession"

Newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla smiled at thousands of well-wishers lining the streets of central London as
they rolled past in the Gold State Coach, heading back to Buckingham Palace in the "King's Procession" after their coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Behind the monarch and his wife, the king's sister, Anne, Princess Royal rode on horseback, followed by the British Army's Blues and Royals regiment. Then there was another carriage carrying William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, with
their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travel in the Gold State Coach as it heads from Westminster Abbey, after their coronation ceremony, to Buckingham Palace, May 6, 2023 in London, England. Tristan Fewings/Getty
By Tucker Reals
 

What's King Charles' net worth and where does his wealth come from?

King Charles' net worth has soared to about $2.3 billion, according to The Guardian, which said it worked with 12 experts to undertake the first "comprehensive audit" of the king's assets, which range from country estates to race cars and jewels. 

Among his most valuable assets, however, is something intangible: An exemption for Charles from the U.K.'s inheritance tax, which otherwise would have taken a 40% bite out of his inherited assets. Queen Elizabeth II was worth $500 million when she passed away last year, largely from her ownership of Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham House in England, as well as art, jewels, investments and real estate, Forbes estimated last year.

Read the full story here.

How King Charles III may modernize the British monarchy 06:13
By Aimee Picchi
 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla traveling back to Buckingham Palace

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were leaving Westminster Abbey for the "King's Procession" back to Buckingham Palace following their formal coronation ceremony. 

The royal couple will travel the exact same route they took on the way to the abbey hours earlier, but will ride in a different coach. 

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
The Gold State Coach, built in 1760 and used at every British coronation since that of William IV in 1831, is seen ready to set off from Westminster Abbey on route to Buckingham Palace during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England. Jeff Spicer/Getty

On the way to the ceremony, they rode in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which is only a few years old and boasts modern conveniences including hydraulic suspension and air conditioning. On the way back, however, they will ride in the Gold Gold State Coach, which is over 200 years old. 

The late Queen Elizabeth II once called riding in it a "horrible" experience, as it lacks the modern luxuries of the other state coach.  

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travel in the Gold State Coach, built in 1760, as it sets off from Westminster Abbey on route to Buckingham Palace during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, May 06, 2023 in London, England. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty
By Haley Ott
 

Young Prince Louis reappears

Prince Louis appeared back with his family in Westminster Abbey for the end of the coronation ceremony. The 5-year-old royal was given a break from the ceremony mid-way through, as was reportedly planned. Earlier in the ceremony, he was seen yawning sitting next to his mother, Kate, the Princess of Wales.

By Haley Ott
 

President Biden congratulates King Charles and Queen Camilla

President Biden congratulated King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the occasion of their coronation Saturday. Mr. Biden did not fly to London to attend the coronation, but first lady Jill Biden was among the guests at Westminster Abbey.  

By Haley Ott
 

Prince Louis yawns before being relocated

It appeared that Prince Louis, the second son of William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, was moved from his seat in the pews of Westminster Abbey during the coronation service on Saturday.

Earlier in the service, he was seated next to his mother, the Princess of Wales, and could be seen yawning and chatting with his sister, but later Kate was sat next to just Princess Charlotte.

Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, yawns during the coronation ceremony of King Charles III
Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. Yui Mok/Getty Images

The Princess of Wales bent down to talk with Louis as the congregation stood for a hymn, shortly before he was spirited out of the front row at the abbey.  

It had been reported that the 5-year-old prince would "retire" part of the way through the ceremony, rather than be made to sit through the entire thing.  

By Haley Ott
 

Queen Camilla is crowned

Queen Camilla has been crowned. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury placed Queen Mary's Crown on the new queen's head and said: "Thy servant Camilla, who wears this crown, be filled by thine abundant grace and with all princely virtues; reign in her heart, O King of love, that, being certain of thy protection, she may be crowned with thy gracious favour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."  

Queen Camilla is crowned during the coronation ceremony
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places the Queen Mary's Crown onto the head of Camilla during the coronation ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in London, on May 6, 2023. RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
By Haley Ott
 

William pledges loyalty to his father

The Enthroning and the Homage portions of the ceremony got underway immediately after the crowning of King Charles III. Prince William kneeled before his father and said: "I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you, and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God." 

By Haley Ott
 

The king is crowned

Watch: King Charles III is crowned at coronation ceremony 05:59

King Charles has been crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Before placing the crown on King Charles' head, the Archbishop said: "King of kings and Lord of lords, bless, we beseech thee, this Crown, and so sanctify thy servant Charles, upon whose head this day thou dost place it for a sign of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with thy gracious favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues; through him who liveth and reigneth supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen."

After crowning King Charles, he said "God save the King!"

king-is-crowned.jpg
Newly-crowned King Charles sits upon the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023. Pool
By Haley Ott
 

Charles dons ceremonial robes

King Charles was dressed in the Royal Robe and the Stole Royal, which was presented to him by his son, Prince William. He was then handed the Sovereign's Orb, a globe dating back to 1661 representing his dominion over the realms of medieval Britain.

The Orb was then returned to the alter and King Charles was presented with the Coronation Ring and the Glove. He is also being presented with the Sceptre with Cross and the Sceptre with Dove, which he will hold as he is crowned.

Click here to read more about the coronation regalia. 

By Haley Ott
 

Investiture and Crowning underway

The Investiture and the Crowning are now taking place. King Charles has been dressed with the Colobium Sindonis, Supertunica, and Girdle, and is sitting in the Coronation Chair to be crowned.  

charles-coronation-in-chair.jpg
King Charles sits in the ancient Coronation Chair during his coronation ceremony, May 6, 2023, just ahead of his formal crowning with St. Edward's Crown. Pool
By Haley Ott
 

The Anointing

The Anointing has begun, where King Charles will sit in the ancient Coronation Chair, which will be surrounded by an Anointing Screen. King Charles will then be anointed with holy oil from Jerusalem by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will pour the oil onto a spoon and anoint the monarch's hands, head and breast.  

By Haley Ott
 

Black gospel choir performs

For what was undoubtedly the first time, a Black gospel choir performed Saturday at the coronation ceremony for a British monarch. The Ascension gospel choir, a group of eight "hand-picked" singers from the same choir that performed at Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding, sang "Alleluia."   

gospel-coronation.jpg
Members of the Ascension Choir perform during the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023. Pool
By Tucker Reals
 

What is King Charles wearing for the coronation?

King Charles decided to reuse several historic items for his coronation ceremony. The monarch will wear the same ceremonial coronation robes that his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, wore for her coronation in 1953, including an embroidered robe made of gold silk, called the Supertunica. The Supertunica will be worn under the Golden Imperial Mantle, which was first made for King George IV in 1821.

The new monarch will also wear the same coronation glove that his grandfather wore nearly a century ago.

King to reuse gold coronation robes 01:30

"We've got this wonderful, sustainable, eco-friendly king who's reusing something rather than having a new glove," Deborah Moore, CEO of Dents Glovemakers, told CBS News.

Under it all, however, unlike his mother, the king will not wear a newly created, coronation specific suit, opting instead to wear his military uniform.

Read the full story here.

By Tucker Reals
 

Ancient coronation ceremony underway

The coronation ceremony has begun. It will last approximately two hours. 

The coronation service is being officiated by Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Traditionally the events take place as follows: the Recognition, the Coronation Oath, the Anointing, the Investiture and the Enthronement and Homage.

king-charles-coronation-westminster.jpg
King Charles III is seen seated during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, May 6, 2023. Pool

During the Recognition, the monarch is presented to the people in attendance. The only part of the coronation ceremony that is required by law is the Coronation Oath. The exact wording of the oath has varied over the centuries. After the oath, Charles will be anointed with holy oil from Jerusalem by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will pour the oil onto a spoon and anoint Charles' hands, head and breast. 

Then, Charles will be given the royal robe, the orb, the coronation ring, the sceptre and the rod of his position. St. Edward's Crown will be placed on his head at the exact moment of coronation.  

By Tucker Reals
 

Camilla's title changes on coronation day

When Queen Elizabeth II died, it was announced that her heir would be known as King Charles III, and his wife would be known as the Queen Consort. But that changed when the palace released an image of the invitation to the coronation, which referred to Charles' wife as "Queen Camilla," dropping the "consort."

Queen Camilla arrives for her coronation in a long white gown and robe
Queen Camilla arrives for her coronation at Westminster Abbey, on May 6, 2023. Andrew Matthews / Getty Images

A royal source told CBS News partner network BBC News that while it made sense during the early part of King Charles' reign to refer Camilla as queen consort, to distinguish her from the late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles' mother, the coronation would mark an "appropriate time" to formally refer to her simply as "queen."

On Friday night, the palace referred to Camilla as the queen for the first time, and Britain's PA news wire said the change had taken effect as of the beginning of coronation day, even before Camilla was formally crowned. 

Read the full story here on the title change first indicated in with the coronation announcement.

By Haley Ott
 

King enters Westminster Abbey

Prince George — the eldest son of Prince William and Catherine, and second in the royal line of succession — was in the procession behind is grandfather, helping to hold King Charles' long train. Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, were behind the monarch, flanked by their two other children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

king-charles-westminster.jpg
King Charles III walks into Westminster Abbey for his coronation ceremony, May 6, 2023.  Pool
By Haley Ott
 

"King's Procession" arrives at Westminster Abbey

The coronation procession arrived at Westminster Abbey, where British coronation ceremonies have been held for the last 900 years. The ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

King Charles and Camilla traveled to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace as part of "The King's Procession." 

King Charles begins procession ride to Westminster Abbey ahead of coronation 05:49

After the service, they will return to Buckingham Palace in another procession, this time joined by other members of the royal family, known as "The Coronation Procession."

Once they arrive back at Buckingham Palace, the senior members of the royal family will make an appearance on the balcony.

By Haley Ott
 

Princes Harry and Andrew arrive for coronation

Both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have arrived at Westminster Abbey. The two are no longer working members of the royal family, and it was initially unclear if Harry would attend at all. His wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, as remained in California with their children.  

Prince Harry arrives for the Coronation of King Charles III
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrives for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 in London, England. Andy Stenning / Getty Images

The princes walked into the abbey with other members of the royal family.  

Click here to read the full story on Princes Harry and Andrew having no formal role in the coronation ceremony.

By Haley Ott
 

King Charles' coronation procession is much shorter than his mother's

King Charles will take the same 1.3 mile procession route to and from the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The route goes through central London.

The late Queen Elizabeth II took a much longer route for her coronation procession. Her outward journey was 1.6 miles long, but her return procession was five miles and took two hours.

Map of coronation procession route
A map provided by the U.K. government shows the route that the procession carrying King Charles III will take from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for his coronation. U.K. Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport/Handout
By Haley Ott
 

King's procession underway as royals head for Westminster Abbey

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, travel in the Diamond Jubilee Coach, built in 2012 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of their coronation on May 6, 2023 in London, England.  Getty Images

The procession has begun. The royal Diamond Jubilee Coach has left the palace, pulled by white horses, and the king and queen are on their way to Westminster Abbey. God Save the King has been played and the crowd is cheering. And it's raining!  

buck-palace.jpg
The Imperial State Coach carries King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla from Buckingham Palace in procession to Westminster Abbey for their coronation, May 6, 2023.  Pool
By Haley Ott
 

Coronation procession about to get underway

Thousands of people have gathered to see the coronation, even though it's raining. Police and soldiers are readying themselves outside Buckingham Palace for the start of the procession of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Westminster Abbey for the formal ceremony. Music is playing and every once in a while the crowds let out a big cheer. The members of the procession are holding their position. Just a few minutes left until show time...

By Haley Ott
 

Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace ahead of coronation ceremony

Despite a cloudy sky and drizzle, hardy souls emerged from tents and others started flocking into central London Saturday morning to witness what they could of King Charles III's coronation ceremony.

Among those already in position were friends Bryant and Alicia, from Mobile, Alabama, who arrived in London on Thursday.

"I've followed the royal family since Will and Kate's wedding, and I was anticipating the coronation one day," Alicia told CBS News.

"We've met some great friends," added Bryant.

"It's lovely, especially all the people from all over the world!" Alicia said.

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Bryant and Alicia, friends from Mobile, Alabama, speak with CBS News on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, hours before King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023. CBS News

Denise, from Fall River, Massachusetts, also arrived Thursday and spent the night camping by The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, to reserve a good viewing spot.

"I just like the royal family and have been following them for years and wanted to be part of this history," she told CBS News, adding that she thought King Charles will make a good monarch.

"I think he'll follow closely in his mother's footsteps, with little tweaks. Put his own spin on it, but he's a traditionalist," she told CBS News, adding that she had always felt a connection with Britain's royal family. 

"I always said I was born on the wrong side of the pond," she told CBS News. 

By Haley Ott
 

King Charles heads for Buckingham Palace

King Charles III was seen departing his Clarence House residence in central London early Saturday morning, hours ahead of his coronation ceremony. The king left Clarence House in one of his Bentley State Limousines. He will depart from Buckingham Palace later in the morning in a formal procession, with Queen Consort Camilla, to head for Westminster Abbey, where the coronation ceremony will take place.

Their Majesties King Charles III And Queen Camilla - Coronation Day
King Charles III leaves Clarence House ahead of his and Queen Consort Camilla's coronation, May 6, 2023 in London, England.  James Manning/Getty
By Tucker Reals
 

Arrests as anti-monarchy protests planned for coronation day

Protests against the British monarchy were planned around the United Kingdom for the day of the coronation by the anti-monarchy group Republic. Early Saturday morning, Republic said its leader was among several people arrested as they showed up to stage a demonstration at London's Trafalgar Square. 

"They've arrested six of our organizers and seized hundreds of placards," an activist with the group told the AFP news agency. "They won't tell us why they've arrested them or where they're being held." 

London's Metropolitan Police soon confirmed a handful of arrests in several locations in the center of the city, with would-be protesters facing charges including "conspiracy to cause public nuisance" and "possessing articles to cause criminal damage." 

The police said they had seized "lock-on devices," referring to items that protesters might use to fix themselves to immovable objects.     

Authorities had warned against any attempts to disrupt the day's proceedings. There were reports that some protesters had planned to try to do just that, interfering with the processions, according to U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden. He said the government had received intelligence that some people might try to spook horses on the procession route by sounding rape alarms.

Republic wants Britain's monarch to be replaced as the official head of state by an elected official. Republic is either organizing or promoting peaceful rallies in England and Scotland.

Britain Commonwealth Day
Protesters hold placards with the message "Not my king" before Britain's King Charles III arrives to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, March 13, 2023. Frank Augstein/AP

Click here to read a full story on the planned protests.

 

What's the point, and what happens at a coronation?

Coronation ceremonies came out of an historic need to bring stability to European monarchies amid competing claims to their thrones, as well as traditions of church involvement in the state. They do not take place immediately after the death of the previous monarch to allow time for the country to grieve. The ceremony is largely religious, and it does not bring King Charles any further privileges as the monarch, which he has been since the moment his mother died.

British coronations are carried out by the Anglican Church, otherwise known as the Church of England. The only part of the coronation ceremony required under British law is the Coronation Oath. The exact wording of which has varied over the centuries, and it has been updated for Charles to reflect a more modern Britain.

King Charles III's new role in the monarchy 07:09

After the oath, the king will be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will pour the oil onto a spoon and anoint Charles' hands, head and breast. Then, Charles will be given the royal robe, the orb, the coronation ring, the sceptre and the rod of his position. Finally, at the "moment of coronation," St. Edward's Crown will be placed on his head.

By Haley Ott
 

Here's the schedule of events for coronation day

King Charles and Camilla, his queen consort, will begin to travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a procession at 5:20 a.m. Eastern, 10:20 a.m. local time. The route they will take is 1.3 miles long, directly through central London.  

The coronation ceremony will begin at Westminster Abbey at 6 a.m. Eastern (11 a.m. local time) and is expected to last for about two hours. Afterwards, they will travel in a procession back to Buckingham Palace.

Click here for a full schedule of the coronation events and to learn how to watch the ceremony from wherever you are.

By Haley Ott
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